The Underground Art Studio at Oasis

Where youth grow, thrive and create positive change.

At Oasis, our goal isn’t necessarily to “teach” art. Rather, we use art to help youth express themselves, explore issues, develop new skills, and indeed to change the community.

Art has long played an important role in fulfilling our mission. In 2011, we deepened that commitment by launching the Underground Art Studio.

The Art Studio is a place for our programs to engage young people in new and creative ways. For many youth, their time in the Art Studio is where they can experiment, express their story, relieve stress, and begin the healing process.

It’s also a place where young people can create social change. Each year, the Art Studio engages young people in creating several public art projects for under-resourced communities. Recent projects have included a series of murals focused on harmful stereotypes and a photo installation centered on issues of transit.

92%

Art Studio participants who reported feeling they “can make a difference in the community using art.”